Alan Harding Was Advised to Bring a Gun to Brooklyn Back in 1997

Toqueland catches up with drama-magnet Alan Harding, as he recalls either Flay or Batali saying, “Make sure you have your gun,” back in 1997, when he decided to open Patois (followed by several other restaurants) around Smith Street. Harding attributes Spike Lee to giving the borough cachet, says most of his decor is from dumpster diving, and explains all the old-school lawlessness that “wouldn’t fly” today. [Toqueland]